Portable Counter Partition System

ABSTRACT

A portable counter partition system serves to segregate multiple patrons across the length of a counter with multiple dividers that detachably mount to a counter in a spaced-apart relationship. The dividers work to restrict passage of germs and viruses between patrons, and at least partially restrict passage of light therethrough. Further, the dividers are slidably adjustable to traverse the length of the counter, such that the divider slides across the counter to fit various widths of counters; and rests flush against the patron end of the counter. The dividers detachably clamp to the server edge of the counter for easy attachment and detachment to the counter. This allows a server to manipulate the position of the dividers along the length of the counter. Additionally, the dividers are supported by a hinged leg on the patron edge of the divider to increase stability of the divider on the counter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable counter partition system. More so, the present invention relates to a partition system comprising multiple dividers that detachably mount to a counter in a spaced-apart relationship, so as to segregate the length of the counter into multiple sections between patrons; whereby: the dividers restrict passage of germs and viruses; the dividers are slidably adjustable to traverse the length of the counter, such that the divider slides across the counter to fit various widths of counters and rests flush against the patron side of the counter; the dividers detachably clamp to the server side of the counter, so as to enable a server to easily manipulate the position of the dividers along the length of the counter; and the dividers are further supported by a hinged leg on the patron edge of the divider, so as to increase stability of the divider.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, a bar or counter are designed for drinking and eating drink and food thereon. The counter is configured to support food and drink in an eating or drinking establishment, i.e., restaurant, bar, dining room. The counter is fixed on the floor of the eating and drinking establishment. Directly forward of the counter, on a patron side, there are stools or seats for the patrons of the restaurant. These stools are arranged at equidistantly spaced intervals to allow the patrons to make use of certain equally proportioned parts of the top of the counter

It is known in the art that, with such arrangement the patrons who sit adjacently from each other are within distance to spread germs and viruses to each other. Further, the dishes intended for one patron are frequently placed in the space belonging to the adjacent patron and aside from this discomfort the patrons are afforded no privacy.

Other proposals have involved counter partitions and dividers that are spaced along a counter or bar. The problem with these segregating devices is that they are not easily detached from the counter, for adjusting spacing and numbers between dividers. Also, the partitions are not always sized to rest flush against the patron side of the counter. Also, the partitions are not always securely fastened into the counter. Even though the above cited counter partitions and dividers meet some of the needs of the market, a portable counter partition system comprising multiple dividers that detachably mount to a counter in a spaced-apart relationship, so as to segregate the length of the counter into multiple sections between patrons; whereby: the dividers restrict passage of germs and viruses; the dividers are slidably adjustable to traverse the length of the counter, such that the divider slides across the counter to fit various widths of counters and rests flush against the patron side of the counter; the dividers detachably clamp to the server side of the counter, so as to enable a server to easily manipulate the position of the dividers along the length of the counter; and the dividers are further supported by a hinged leg on the patron edge of the divider, so as to increase stability of the divider, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a portable counter partition system. The partition system is a unique segregation mechanism that segregates multiple patrons across the length of a counter. The partition system comprises multiple dividers that detachably mount to a counter in a spaced-apart relationship, so as to segregate the length of the counter into multiple sections between patrons. The dividers are configured to restrict passage of germs and viruses, and at least partially restrict passage of light through an opaque design. The dividers are easy to mount and unmount for portability, so as to be repositioned along the length of the counter for changing the width of each stall.

Further, the dividers are slidably adjustable to traverse the length of the counter, such that the divider slides across the counter to fit various widths of counters and rests flush against the patron end of the counter. The dividers are configured to detachably clamp to the server edge of the counter for easy attachment and detachment to the counter. This allows the server to easily manipulate the position of the dividers along the length of the counter. Additionally, the dividers are supported by a hinged leg on the patron edge of the divider, so as to increase stability of the divider.

In one aspect, the portable counter partition system, comprises:

-   -   at least one divider defined by a flat configuration and having         a top edge, a bottom edge, a server edge, and a patron edge;     -   an elongated base joined along the length of the bottom edge of         the divider, the base forming a tunnel;     -   a bar defined by a server end and a patron end, the bar arranged         in a slidable relationship with the base,     -   whereby the tunnel receives the bar, whereby the base and the         divider slide along the length of the bar; and     -   a clamp joined to the server end of the bar, the clamp being         operable to move between an open position and a clamped         position,     -   whereby the clamp enables mounting of the divider.

In another aspect, the divider is defined by a rectangular shape or a square shape.

In another aspect, the divider is opaque.

In another aspect, the divider comprises an electrical outlet joined with a power source.

In another aspect, the electrical outlet includes at least one of the following: a socket, a phone jack, a USB outlet, a smart outlet, a 15 Amp outlet, and a 20 Amp outlet.

In another aspect, the elongated base is defined by an elongated rectangular shape.

In another aspect, the elongated base comprises a rail on the inner surface of the tunnel.

In another aspect, the bar slidably rides the rail.

In another aspect, the clamp includes at least one of the following: a C-clamp, a G-clamp, a parallel jaw clamp, a wood screw clamp, a strap clamp, and a spring-loaded clamp.

In another aspect, the clamp comprises a butterfly screw.

In another aspect, the system further comprises a leg, the leg defined by a divider end and a ground end, the divider end of the leg hingedly joined with the patron end of the divider.

In another aspect, the leg moves between a stowed position parallel with the base, and a support position perpendicular with the base.

In another aspect, the system further comprises a counter, the counter defined by a patron side and a server side.

In another aspect, the clamp detachably attaches the server end of the bar to the server side of the counter, whereby the server edge of the divider orients towards the server side of the counter, and the patron edge of the divider orients towards the patron side of the counter.

In another aspect, the base and the divider slide along the length of the bar, such that the patron edge of the divider is flush with the patron side of the counter.

In another aspect, the bar and the base are fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy.

One objective of the present invention is to minimize the spread of germs and viruses at a counter by segregating the patrons with dividers.

Another objective is to rearrange the dividers to segregate different numbers of patrons sitting on a counter, or bar.

Another objective is to easily move the dividers, so as to reconfigure the spacing between patrons.

Yet another objective is to slide the divider along the bar until the patron edge of the divider is flush with the patron side of the counter.

An exemplary objective is to reinforce stability of the divider with a leg that extends to the ground when in use, and folds under the base when not in use.

Additional objectives are to provide an inexpensive to manufacture portable counter partition system.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary portable counter partition system, showing the divider mounted to the counter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the portable counter partition system shown in FIG. 1, showing the divider unmounted from the counter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a top view of the dividers mounted on the counter, where FIG. 3A shows four dividers mounted on the counter, and FIG. 3B shows two dividers mounted on the counter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A portable counter partition system 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-3B. The portable counter partition system 100, hereafter “system 100” is operable with a counter 120, a bar, an eating stall, or an elongated table to divide the longitudinal of the counter 120 into size-adjustable, separate sections, or stalls. Thus, multiple patrons who are sitting or standing across the length of the counter 120 are segregated to reduce transmission of germs and viruses; and also, to provide additional privacy.

In carrying out the invention the top of the counter 120 is divided into sections, or stalls, through a novel means which constitutes the present invention. The mounting means also provides unique novelty. Further, the dividing means is portable and adjustable along the width of the counter 120, so as to accommodate various sizes and styles of counters.

In one possible embodiment, the counter 120 is a substantially flat surface that is configured to support food and drink in an eating or drinking establishment, i.e., restaurant, bar, dining room. The counter 120 is fixed on the floor of the eating and drinking establishment. Directly forward of the counter 120, on a patron side 122 a, there are stools or seats for the patrons of the restaurant. These stools are arranged at equidistantly spaced intervals to allow the patrons to make use of certain equally proportioned parts of the top of the counter 120. However, in other embodiments, it may be that the opposing server side 122 b of the counter 120 that has the stools or seats.

As referenced in FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises at least one divider 102 a-d, which is the primary component for segregating the counter 120 into multiple stalls. As illustrated, the counter 120 is defined by a flat configuration, suitable for eating, drinking, working, or building. In some embodiments, the divider 102 a-d may be defined by a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, ore an irregular shape.

In other embodiments, the divider 102 a-d is defined by a top edge 104 a, a bottom edge 104 b, a server edge 104 c, and a patron edge 104 d. In context of the counter 120, the top edge 104 a of the divider 102 a-d orients away from the ground floor. The bottom edge 104 b of the divider 102 a-d orients towards the surface of the counter 120. The server edge 104 c orients towards the server side 122 b of the counter 120, and the patron edge 104 d orients towards the patron side 122 a of the counter 120. In one non-limiting embodiment, the divider is 26″ high and 38″ long. However, other dimensions may also be used.

However, in alternative embodiments, the divider 102 a-d can be rotated, such that any edge 104 a-d is used in nay orientation; especially if the divider 102 a-d is square-shaped, for example. The divider 102 a-d may be fabricated from a plastic, a metal, and a metal alloy. In one embodiment, the divider 102 a-d is opaque. In other embodiments, the dividers 102 a-d serve to at least partially restrict passage of light through an opaque design. However, in alternative embodiments, the dividers may be transparent, or completely coated with a paint.

The dividers 102 a-d are configured to detachably mount to a counter 120 while arranged in a spaced-apart relationship. In this manner, the dividers are sized and dimensioned to segregate the length of the counter 120 into multiple sections between patrons. This serves to restrict passage of germs and viruses between adjacently positioned patrons. This achieves the primary objective of minimizing the spread of germs and viruses at a counter 120 by segregating the patrons with dividers. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the portable counter partition system 100, showing the divider mounted to the counter 120. FIG. 2 illustrates the portable counter partition system 100, showing the divider unmounted from the counter 120.

In alternative embodiments, the divider 102 a-d comprises an electrical outlet 108 joined with a power source. In some embodiments, the electrical outlet 108 may include, without limitation, a socket, a phone jack, a USB outlet, a smart outlet, a 15 Amp outlet, and a 20 Amp outlet. Those skilled in the at will recognize that such electrical components are used in bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Looking again at FIG. 1, the system 100 also provides an elongated base 106 that joins along the length of the bottom edge 104 b of the divider 102 a-d. In one non-limiting embodiment, the base is about 42″ long. In another possible embodiment, the base 106 is wider than the bottom edge 104 b of the divider 102 a-d. In one non-limiting embodiment, the base is 6″ in width and 1″ in height. The base 106 forms a tunnel 200. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bar 110 and the base 106 are fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy. In one possible embodiment, the elongated base 106 is defined by an elongated rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the elongated base 106 comprises a rail 204 on the inner surface of the tunnel 200. The rail 204 enables the bar 110 to slide smoothly in and out of the tunnel 200 in the base 106.

The system 100 further utilizes a bar 110 that may traverse the counter 120. The bar 110 may be a simple, flat metal bar, in one example. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bar 110 is 2″ wide and 6″ long. The bar 110 is defined by a server end 112 a and an opposing patron end 112 b. The bar 110 is arranged in a slidable relationship with the base 106. In one possible embodiment, the bar 110 slidably rides the rail in the tunnel 200 of the base 106. The base's tunnel 200 is sized and dimensioned to receive the bar 110.

In this manner, the base 106 and the divider 102 a-d slide along the length of the bar 110. Thus, the dividers 102 a-d, while mounted to the counter 120, are slidably adjustable to traverse the length of the counter 120. The dividers ride on an elongated base 106 that allows each divider 102 a-d to slide across the counter 120. This allows the divider 102 a-d to fit various widths of counters, and also to rest flush against the patron end 112 b of the counter 120.

The dividers 102 a-d are configured to detachably mount to the server edge 104 c of the counter 120 for easy attachment and detachment to the counter 120. In some embodiments, a clamp 114 is used to detachably mount the server end 112 a of the bar 110 to the server side 122 b of the counter 120. In some embodiments, the clamp 114 may include, without limitation, a C-clamp, a G-clamp, a parallel jaw clamp, a wood screw clamp, a strap clamp, and a spring-loaded clamp. In one embodiment, the clamp 114 comprises a screw or butterfly screw is rotated in a first direction to move the clamp 114 to an open position, and rotated in a second direction to move the clamp 114 to a closed position, around the server side 122 b of the counter 120.

In other embodiments, the clamp 114 may have a C-shape with an upper flange, and a screw that passes through the lower section of the clamp 114. The screw advances towards the flange until meeting the bar. In one non-limiting embodiment, the clamp 114 comprises a butterfly screw. The clamp moves towards a clamped position, so as to securely hold the bar against the counter 120; and thereby retain the divider in a perpendicular relationship with the counter 120.

In one embodiment, the clamp 114 is configured to move between an open position and a clamped position, whereby the clamp 114 enables mounting of the divider 102 a-d onto the counter 120. However, in other embodiments, various clamping mechanisms known in the art that can secure the bar 110 to the counter 120 may also be used.

The configuration of such a clamp 114 allows the server to easily manipulate the position of the dividers along the length of the counter 120. Thus, the system 100 utilizes a clamp 114 that joins with the server end 112 a of the bar 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, four dividers 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d mounted with the clamp 114 to the counter 120; creating multiple stalls for patrons to eat, drink, etc. The clamp can be moved to the open position to unmount the dividers. The dividers can then be manipulated across the counter 120.

As FIG. 3B shows, only two dividers 102 b, 102 c are used, changing the stalls between the dividers, so as to be wider. Dividers 102 a and 102 d are removed for stowage. Consequently, myriad combinations of dividers 102 a-d can be used along the length of the counter 120. This portability and universality is due to the easy mounting and unmounting capacity provided by the clamps. Further, in any combination, the dividers 120 a-d can slide across the width of the counter 120 to adjust positioning to be flush with the patron side 122 a of the counter 120, or to adjust to wider counters. As discussed above, this is possible as the base slides in and out of the bar 110 across the width of the counter 120.

Additionally, the dividers are supported by a hinged leg 116 on the patron edge 104 d of the divider 102 a-d, so as to increase stability of the divider 102 a-d. In some embodiments, the system 100 may also provide a leg 116 that enhances stability of the divider 102 a-d on the counter 120 by forming a perpendicular abutment between the ground floor and the divider 102 a-d. The leg 116 has a divider end 118 a and a ground end 118 b. The divider end 118 a of the leg 116 hingedly joined with the patron end 112 b of the divider 102 a-d. In one possible embodiment, the leg 116 moves between a stowed position 202 parallel with the base 106 (FIG. 2); and a support position 124 perpendicular with the base 106 (FIG. 1).

As discussed above, the system 100 may include a counter 120. The counter 120 is an elongated flat surface configured to support food, eating, cooking, art production, and assembly line operations. In one non-limiting embodiment, the counter 120 is a surface for eating and drinking in a restaurant or bar. The counter 120 is defined by a patron side 122 a, which can be the side of the counter 120 on which the patron, or customer sits or stands. The counter 120 is also defined by an opposing server side 122 b, which is the side where the server or bartender operates. In one non-limiting embodiment, the counter 120 is 6″ wide and 1″ thick.

In conclusion, a portable counter 120 partition system 100 serves to segregate multiple patrons across the length of a counter 120 with multiple dividers that detachably mount to a counter 120 in a spaced-apart relationship. The dividers work to restrict passage of germs and viruses between patrons, and at least partially restrict passage of light therethrough. Further, the dividers are slidably adjustable to traverse the length of the counter 120, such that the divider slides across the counter 120 to fit various widths of counters; and rests flush against the patron end of the counter 120. The dividers detachably clamp to the server edge of the counter 120 for easy attachment and detachment to the counter 120. This allows a server to manipulate the position of the dividers along the length of the counter 120. Additionally, the dividers are supported by a hinged leg on the patron edge of the divider to increase stability of the divider on the counter 120.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalence. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable counter partition system, the system comprising: at least one divider defined by a flat configuration and having a top edge, a bottom edge, a server edge, and a patron edge; an elongated base joined along the length of the bottom edge of the divider, the base forming a tunnel; a bar defined by a server end and a patron end, the bar arranged in a slidable relationship with the base, whereby the tunnel receives the patron end of the bar, whereby the base and the divider slide along the length of the bar; and a clamp joined to the server end of the bar, the clamp being operable to move between an open position and a clamped position, whereby the clamp enables mounting of the divider.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the divider is defined by a rectangular shape or a square shape.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the divider is opaque.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the divider comprises an electrical outlet joined with a power source.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the electrical outlet includes at least one of the following: a socket, a phone jack, a USB outlet, a smart outlet, a 15 Amp outlet, and a 20 Amp outlet.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated base is defined by an elongated rectangular shape.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated base comprises a rail on the inner surface of the tunnel, whereby the bar slidably rides the rail.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the base is wider than the bottom edge of the divider.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises a butterfly screw.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a leg, the leg defined by a divider end and a ground end, the divider end of the leg hingedly joined with the patron end of the divider.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the leg moves between a stowed position parallel with the base, and a support position perpendicular with the base.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a counter, the counter defined by a patron side and a server side.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the clamp detachably attaches the server end of the bar to the server side of the counter, whereby the server edge of the divider orients towards the server side of the counter, and the patron edge of the divider orients towards the patron side of the counter.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the base and the divider slide along the length of the bar, such that the patron edge of the divider is flush with the patron side of the counter.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the bar and the base are fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy.
 16. A portable counter partition system, the system comprising: at least one divider defined by a flat configuration and having a top edge, a bottom edge, a server edge, and a patron edge, the divider comprising an electrical outlet joined with a power source, the electrical outlet including at least one of the following: a socket, a phone jack, a USB outlet, a smart outlet, a 15 Amp outlet, and a 20 Amp outlet; an elongated base joined along the length of the bottom edge of the divider, the base forming a tunnel, the elongated base comprising a rail on the inner surface of the tunnel, whereby the bar slidably rides the rail; a bar defined by a server end and a patron end, the bar arranged in a slidable relationship with the base, whereby the tunnel receives the patron end of the bar, whereby the base and the divider slide along the length of the bar; a clamp joined to the server end of the bar, the clamp being operable to move between an open position and a clamped position, whereby the clamp enables mounting of the divider; and a leg, the leg defined by a divider end and a ground end, the divider end of the leg hingedly joined with the patron end of the divider.
 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a counter, the counter defined by a patron side and a server side.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the clamp detachably attaches the server end of the bar to the server side of the counter, whereby the server edge of the divider orients towards the server side of the counter, and the patron edge of the divider orients towards the patron side of the counter.
 19. The system of claim 16, further comprising an electrical outlet operable in the divider.
 20. A portable counter partition system, the system consisting of: at least one divider defined by a flat configuration and having a top edge, a bottom edge, a server edge, and a patron edge; an elongated base joined along the length of the bottom edge of the divider, the base being wider than the bottom edge of the divider, the base forming a tunnel, the elongated base comprising a rail on the inner surface of the tunnel, whereby the bar slidably rides the rail; a bar defined by a server end and a patron end, the bar arranged in a slidable relationship with the base, whereby the tunnel receives the patron end of the bar, whereby the base and the divider slide along the length of the bar; a clamp joined to the server end of the bar, the clamp being operable to move between an open position and a clamped position, whereby the clamp enables mounting of the divider; a leg, the leg defined by a divider end and a ground end, the divider end of the leg hingedly joined with the patron end of the divider; and a counter, the counter defined by a patron side and a server side, the clamp detachably attaching the server end of the bar to the server side of the counter, whereby the server edge of the divider orients towards the server side of the counter, and the patron edge of the divider orients towards the patron side of the counter. 